Knights stave off French interest to retain Fijian flyer till end of 2017

Newcastle fans would have been incredibly worried for a while there as speculation linked their star Fijian winger away from the club, but in great news for Newcastle and the NRL – Knights winger Akuila Uate has re-signed with the club until the of the 2017 season.

Uate, who first played with the Knights back in 2008, has since become one of the best wingers in the league and adored by fans across Newcastle and the National Rugby League.

For the Knights winger, he could not see himself playing anywhere else and is excited to have re-signed to a long-term deal with the club that he loves.

â€œI love playing for the Knights and am really happy to stay here for the next four-years,â€ the three-time Dally M Winger of the Year said.

â€œI canâ€™t imagine playing anywhere else and the decision to re-sign was an easy one.

â€œNow my future is secured I am even more excited about running on to Hunter Stadium on Monday night.â€

The club are equally excited to have retained Uate, amid heavy interest from rival clubs and overseas clubs from rugby league and rugby union.

â€œThere was obviously some interest in Aku from other Clubs, so it is pleasing we have been able to secure him at the Knights for the next four years,â€ CEO Matt Gidley said.

â€œAs a fan favourite, we know our Members and supporters will be happy to hear this news today.

â€œAku is one of the most exciting players in the competition and we look forward to his further development at the Knights.â€